INTRODUCTION: DRAWING INSPIRATION

Christina Gliha was an internationally trusted name in advertising and branding. As an Executive Creative Director, the campaigns she created for clients like Apple, MTV, lululemon, and Pepsi garnered award-winning acclaim. When her inner voice told her something more fulfilling was out there, she traded in her corporate title and went “back to the drawing board” to rediscover her first love: simple self-expression with a pen and paper. These days, she’s her own boss. She no longer folds herself in to fit someone else’s idea of a creative professional. She’s proof that switching gears to honor your unique gifts and vision doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Read on for her expertise on crafting your own recipe for success and trusting your gut. 

OVERCOME ANXIETY WITH AUTHENTICITY

Before pursuing illustration full-time, I had this misguided idea that I was going to have to start at the bottom and work my way up. I felt unworthy and like an imposter, but the work I did came from an authentically passionate place, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. I put out a big body of work that spoke to my ideal clients, and they literally just showed up. If you’re a reluctant artist, don’t wait. Don’t put any small, meek, “starter” work out there. Go big! Swing for the fences and shoot for the stars, you’ll likely be surprised at the opportunities that come your way. 

STRUCTURE A CREATIVE ROUTINE  

It all starts with getting to know yourself, and being brutally honest about your strengths and weaknesses. I’m not a morning person, so I work on an inverted schedule. I do physical activities during the morning to invigorate me, and I keep afternoons for new business development, meetings, and admin. Evenings are for creative work. This is when my mind is most open, and my inner critic is too sleepy to be chatty. My husband and I are both artists, so we don’t pressure each other about working a strict 9-5 schedule. We work intuitively, and our work is better quality because we do it when it feels right. This has been a revelation because sometimes when the ideas aren’t flowing, it’s best to not force it. Give yourself the freedom to take a break or get up and do something physical. Have a dance party in the kitchen, eat an ice cream cone, run outside and marvel at nature! If inspiration is low, mediating, wandering a museum, traveling, or investigating a new subject are great methods to get your creative juices flowing.

ALLOW CREATIVITY TO BLOSSOM

So many would-be artists let themselves get derailed by self doubt, asking “Is this good enough?” It’s important to get out of your own way and drop the constant need to evaluate in the moment. If you’re struggling to find the time for expression, honor your creative self by scheduling time in your calendar to craft and experiment. Maybe that means waking up early before other obligations creep in. If that’s not an option, try coupling creativity with another activity. My new illustration career began by drawing while watching late-night movies after work. Incorporating drawing into my wind-down routine helped me enter a flow state where I wouldn’t question the validity of what I was creating. 

BRING EXPRESSION INTO EVERY DAY

The holidays are the perfect time to let your creativity flow and provide a unique opportunity to share your talents with those you care for. Consider how you wrap your gifts. An easy way to access creativity is by using plain wrappings and decorating them with paint, stencils, and themes customized to the recipient, with a handwritten note to match. Saying something thoughtful or referencing a memory or inside joke amplifies the gesture. Don’t underestimate the impact that sharing something of yourself can have on others. People love to be seen and understood. If you can take a moment to make a thoughtful observation about someone, that in itself is a loving gift. 

This interview appeared in the 2022 December issue of MyMolly Magazine.